Camp Read-a-Lot is Underway!

xMindsWire July 2020

It's Not too Late to Join Camp Read-a-Lot!

FRIDAY CAMPFIRES ARE A HOOT

Camp Read-a-Lot, the xMinds read-a-thon fundraiser, is underway! Students (grades K-12) can join at any time during the month of July. Register here to receive reminder emails and invitations to our fun Friday Campfires! Last week's Friday Campfire featured story time by none other than Ms. Frizzle herself reading one of the books from The Magic School Bus series. Okay, it wasn't actually Ms. Frizzle--but Monica Martinez, former xMinds Executive Director, did such a great impression that we could hardly tell the difference! 

Make reading a part of your child’s daily routine this summer with Camp Read-a-Lot. Pre-readers can participate, too, because being read to counts! Find out more at our Camp Read-a-Lot page. 

Reading gives us somewhere to go when we have to stay where we are.

-Mason Cooley

Racial Justice in Special Education

A PANEL DISCUSSION ON JULY 23 

On Thursday July 23, xMinds invites parents, educators, and other stakeholders to participate in our online panel discussion about the experience of special education students of color in schools. This panel will discuss the challenges families of color experience in the public special education system, including disproportionality in identification of disabilities, in educational placements, and in use of disciplinary actions. How can you, as a parent, know if your child has been unjustly placed in an environment that is too restrictive or if your child has been improperly tested, secluded or restrained? What are your rights as a parent? Join us to learn what you should know about these critical issues and what you can do to address these disparities. Register here


What Does xMinds Do All Day?    

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The xMinds programming year just ended, and we always like to take a look back to make sure we're fulfilling our mission in varied and meaningful ways. During the 2019-20 year, there's much that makes us proud, and we couldn't have done it without your support, so thank you! Some of the highlights: 

  • Created an interactive map for MCPS elementary school special education programs
  • Built a distance learning resources page in response to COVID-19 
  • Developed an inclusive education support page
  • Offered eleven speaker events (five were virtual) and four workshops 
  • Awarded grants to 22 educators and 5 parents for trainings   
  • Designed and launched a new logo
  • Established a new NonSpeaking Students Committee
  • Helped 21 parents through our xMinds Special Education Advocacy Assistance team 

Check out the complete list of accomplishments. 

Website Resources for Parents 

You can still find all MCPS communication updates in one place on our website, and we're maintaining distance learning resources on our ALO Students at Home and Diploma Bound Students at Home pages. xMinds also has a page dedicated to Parent Guidance on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19 where you can find useful information from the Maryland State Department of Education, Disability Rights Maryland and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. Also find our new page of Summer Camp Guide 2020.

Upcoming xMinds Virtual Events

Every Friday in July, 10am
Camp Read-a-Lot Friday Campfires
See details and register here

Thursday, July 23, 7pm
Racial Justice in Special Education: A Panel Discussion
See details and register here.
 

Virtual Community Events 

Summer is here!
Check out offerings for summer classes, camps and activities on our Summer Camp Guide 2020 web page.
 Our community calendar is also a great place to find things to do. 

Fall is Coming!
Many programs offered by our professional members this coming fall are already on the 
xMinds community calendar. Look ahead to August and September since advance registration is often required.


 

It's not too late to join Camp Read-a-Lot!
Friday Campfires are lots of fun!


All xMinds events, professional member events, and other autism-related free community events (including MCPS workshops) are published in the xMinds calendar. Since many events require advance registration please look ahead on the calendar.

Spotlight on Professional Members

This month, xMinds would like to acknowledge the following new or renewing professional member

Fitness for Health
William Sickel, willie@fitnessforhealth.org, 301.231.7138
11140 Rockville Pike, Ste 303, Rockville, 20852
www.fitnessforhealth.org
Services: Occupational therapy; Physical therapy; Social skills therapy; Athletics/recreational support

Fitness for Health strives to build self-esteem and self confidence, and to make a difference in the lives of the children with whom they work. Combining state-of-the-art equipment with innovative approaches to exercise, Fitness for Health helps people of all ages and abilities enjoy the benefits of physical activity while having fun. Featured in O Magazine, Fox News, and The Today Show, founder Marc Sickel is fulfilling his dream of helping children maximize their physical potential. By using specialized equipment and unique methods, Marc has created an exciting, safe environment where children can develop the motivation and confidence to learn new skills and take on new challenges. They offer a non-intimidating, relaxed environment where children can feel comfortable. Therapeutic fitness, and Occupational and Physical Therapy services are available.

As a benefit to both our families and professional members, xMinds publishes information about our professional member service providers here in the xMindsWire as well as in a Professional Member Services Directory on our website. Inclusion in the directory is voluntary and does not constitute our endorsement.

Did you receive this from a friend? Subscribe Now

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to read about current news stories and opportunities for advocacy. Participate in discussions in our Google Group.

For more information, call 301-444-5225, email info@xMinds.org or visit xMinds.org.

Unsubscribe


Support xMinds when you Shop with Amazon Smile